Fundraising appeal to replace Lockerbie play equipment destroyed in fire smashes target

A fundraising appeal started to replace play equipment destroyed by a fire this week has smashed its target.

Louts torched the storage unit of the nursery on the Lockerbie Academy campus on Saturday night.

Bikes, trikes, helmets and play equipment, much of it donated by parents connected to the school was destroyed.

Lockerbie Primary School head teacher Joanne Aitken started the gofundme page.

Her post said: “We are heartbroken to inform you that on Friday evening our nursery was the target of a terrible act of vandalism.

“A fire was started in our nursery store; the impact of which has been devastating.

“Ten years worth of resources (a mixture of donations, fundraised items and school property) costing thousands of pounds have been lost.

“We are appealing to you, our school community. With two weeks until the children return from their summer break we urgently need to replace outdoor items.”

A target of £1,000 was set but by Thursday lunchtime £2,800 had been raised.

Police are still appealing for anyone who witnessed anything in the area around the school at around 10pm on Saturday night to contact them on 101.

A council spokesperson said: “We are working with Police Scotland on the ongoing investigation. We have provided CCTV footage and will assist in any way we can.

“We are deeply saddened by this mindless act of vandalism which has resulted in significant fire and graffiti damage to the store and has destroyed the children’s play equipment within the store.”

To donate to the fund go to https://gofund.me/cdcbc3a0.